Mazda Atenza 2012 Right Side Step [0113700] on 2040-parts.com

Hyundai ix35 FCEV production starts – & previews the ix35 facelift?

Hyundai has started production of the ix35 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle which perhaps previews the facelift for the ix35. We revealed last year that Hyundai were pushing ahead with their hydrogen fuel cell cars (and eschewing battery EVs in the process) with plans to start rolling the Hyundai ix35 FCEV off the production line by the end of 2012. That plan slipped just a little, but the first ix35 FCEV has now rolled of the production line in Korea (pictured above) as Hyundai work towards full scale production of the ix35 FCEV by 2015.

Secret Service issues call for next presidential limousine

The Secret Service is mulling a replacement for Barack Obama's presidential limousine, the Cadillac-styled vehicle lovingly nicknamed "The Beast." News of the new limousine first reached the Internet via FedBizOpps.gov, the official site for Federal Business Opportunities, which provides listings and contracts for various government projects. (Some other listings included cleaning the kitchens at Okinawa, Coast Guard ship repair, and "Phacoemulsification Surgical Equipment.") It calls for a four-phase development program, which is seemingly straightforward. Phase 1 is armor development -- which is currently underway.

SsangYong releases new Rodius sketches

SsangYong has released the first images of its new Rodius MPV, soon to be unveiled at next month's Geneva motor show. Based on SsangYong's ‘Robust, Premium, Specialty' design philosophy the carmaker says the new Rodius is "styled to be fit for outdoor, off-road driving as well as on-road driving". The front three-quarter sketch shows that the exaggerated, streamlined front grille has been retained – albeit it with a slight modification – while it also features angular headlamps.